"Hell money" redirects here. For the X-Files episode, see Hell Money.
Traditional joss paper (金紙) folded for burning

Joss paper (simplified Chinese: 金纸; traditional Chinese: 金紙; pinyin: jÄ«nzhÇ; literally "gold paper" or simplified Chinese: 冥å¸; traditional Chinese: 冥幣; pinyin: míng bì; literally "shade/dark money" / Vietnamese: vàng mã in the North or giấy tiá»n vàng bạc in the South), also known as ghost money, are sheets of paper that are burned in traditional Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies during special holidays. Joss paper, as well as other papier-mâché items, are also burned in traditional Chinese funerals, to ensure that spirit of the deceased has lots of good things in their afterlife.

Contents

Traditional

Joss paper is traditionally made from coarse bamboo paper, which feels handmade with many variances and imperfections although rice paper is also commonly used. Traditional joss is cut into individual squares or rectangles. Depending on the region, Joss paper may be decorated with seals, stamps, pieces of contrasting paper, engraved designs or other motifs.

Different types of spirit Money are given to distinct categories of spirits. The three main types of of spirt money are cash (also known as copper), silver and gold. Cash monies are given to newly deceased spirits and spirits of the unknown. Silver spirit money (yin) is given to ancestral spirits as well as spirits of local deities. Gold spirit money (jin) is given to higher gods such as the Jade Emperor. These distinctions between the three categories of spirit money must be followed precisely to prevent confusion or insult of the spirits.

Contemporary

More contemporary or westernized varieties of Joss paper include Hell Bank Notes, paper credit cards, cheques, as well as papier-mâché clothes, houses, cars, toiletries, and servants. The designs on the "credit cards" vary from the very simple (with just a basic "VISA" stamped on a gold cardboard card), to very elaborate (with custom artwork and names). In some Chinese mythology, the Hell Bank Notes are sent by living relatives to dead ancestors as a tribute to the Yama (Buddhism and Chinese mythology) for a shorter stay or to escape punishment, or for the ancestors to use themselves in spending on lavish items in the afterlife.

Hell money notes is a modern form of spirit money. The Chinese interpretation of the word "hell" does not have the same negative connotation as western thought. The word "hell" is said to be introduced to the Chinese by Christian missionaries. The missionaries told the Chinese that non-Christians go to "hell" when they die. The Chinese, not understanding what the missionaries were implying, then translated the word hell into "underground hold/court." Hell money notes are known for their outrageous denominations ranging from $10,000 to $5,000,000,000. The bills feature an image of the Emperor Jade on the front and the Bank of Hell on the back. Another common feature is the signature of both the Jade Emperor and the King of Hell (Yen Loo).

In 2006, China's deputy minister for civil affairs, Dou Yupei, said he intended to ban at least the more extreme forms of joss paper, such as MP3 players, planes, boats and even paper condoms, paper prostitutes and Viagra.1

Use

Spirit money is most often used for ancestor veneration but has also been known to be used for other purposes such as a gift from a groom's family to the bride's ancestors. Spirit money has been said to have been given for the purpose of enabling their deceased family members to have all they will need or want in the afterlife. It has also been noted that these offerings have been given as a bribe to the Black Judge to hold their ancestors for a shorter period of time.

Ancestor worship is based on the belief that the spirits of the dead continue to dwell in the natural world and have the power to influence the fortune and fate of the living. The goal of ancestor worship is to ensure the ancestor's continued well-being and positive disposition towards the living and sometimes to ask for special favours or assistance. Rituals of ancestor worship most commonly consist of offerings to the deceased to provide for their welfare in the afterlife which is envisioned to be similar to the earthly life. The burning of spirit money enables the ancestor to "purchase" luxuries and necessities needed for a comfortable afterlife.

Many temples have large ovens outside the main gate to burn the spirit money. Folding the Joss paper is an important part of the burning ceremony as it distinguishes joss paper from actual money. Burning actual money is considered to be unlucky in Asian cultures. The Joss paper may be folded into specific shapes which are meant to bring on good luck and people tend to burn lavish amounts to ensure that the offering is well received.

Every fifteen days business owners in Taiwan burn spirit money in red braziers and set out offering tables on the sidewalk for both Gods and ghosts. This coincides with an ancient calendrical system divided into twenty-four fifteen day periods.

Due to environmental concerns, contemporary Joss paper burners have now been fitted with a special cover which eliminates the spread of burning ashes. The cover allows enough oxygen in to ensure that all of the offering are completely burned.

Spirit money is most commonly burned, but may also be offered by being held into the wind or placed into the deceased's coffin at funeral ceremonies.

Depending on the type and status of the deity being worshiped, paper with metal foil or with ink seals of various sizes may be burned. Different regions of the world have preferences on the type of Joss paper that is used. For instance, Hell Bank Notes are commonly found in regions where Cantonese populations dominate but are rarely seen or used in places such as Taiwan or Macau, which use "gold paper". The Joss paper is folded in half, or bought pre-folded into a shape of gold ingots before being burned in an earthenware pot or a specially built chimney. Joss paper burning is usually the last performed act in Chinese deity or ancestor worship ceremonies. The papers may also be folded and stacked into elaborate pagodas or Nelumbo.

In Taoist rituals, the practice of burning joss paper to deities or ancestors is acceptable. However in Buddhism, particularly in the Pure Land Buddhist sect, the practice of burning joss paper to the deceased is strongly discouraged, as the deceased would have no use for material possessions upon reaching either a heaven or hell realm, and that by not burning joss paper would also help conserve paper used to print joss paper and to save money, time, and the environment.

References

  1. ^ A New Chinese Trend: Viagra For the Dead - March 22, 2007 - The New York Sun

See also